Clawz Entertainment is a video arcade serving the Des Moines, Iowa metro area. Although the venue’s directory record maps it to Des Moines based on a 12.5 km grid reference, the street address places it in Ankeny, IA — a suburb just north of the city — so most visitors will plan the trip accordingly.
Des Moines has quietly built one of the more active arcade and gaming scenes in the Upper Midwest, with a mix of dedicated arcades, barcades, retro pinball rooms, and family entertainment centers spread across the metro. Clawz Entertainment fits into that lineup as a focused video arcade, the kind of place built around machines and play rather than food service or full-bar programming. Visitors exploring the broader scene can browse the full arcade finder directory or scan the interactive arcade map to compare this venue with other Des Moines-area options.
At a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | Ankeny, IA |
| Phone | +1 515-436-5510 |
| Hours | Mon–Thu: 12 PM – 9 PM; Fri: 12 PM – 10 PM; Sat: 11 AM – 10 PM; Sun: 11 AM – 8 PM |
| Rating | 4.5 out of 5 from 102 Google reviews |
| Best For | Video arcade enthusiasts, casual players, and families looking for a dedicated machine-play space |
The Scene
The venue’s directory record does not include a curated review summary or quoted highlights, so this section leans on the verifiable signals that are available. Clawz Entertainment holds a 4.5 out of 5 rating across 102 reviews, a strong mark that points to consistent positive experiences among the local players who have rated the venue. The weekly schedule — open every day with weekend morning openings at 11 AM — fits the rhythm of families looking for daytime outings, after-work drop-ins, and weekend crowds.
For readers weighing Clawz Entertainment against nearby options, two other metro venues are worth a look. Monsterama Pubcade brings a barcade angle to the Des Moines scene, pairing games with a full bar and adult-leaning atmosphere, while Up-Down DSM leans into the retro arcade and pinball crowd with a heavy classic-machine focus. Each of the three occupies a different niche, which makes the metro a useful testing ground for players who want to compare formats before settling on a favorite.
Games & Machines
As a dedicated video arcade, Clawz Entertainment is built around the kind of coin-operated and card-based machines that define the format — typically a mix of classic and contemporary video cabinets, driving and racing sims, redemption titles, and similar attractions. Because the directory record does not include a detailed inventory of the current floor, the exact lineup, machine count, and any specialty titles are not published here. Visitors are encouraged to check the venue’s own website or call ahead for the current machine mix and any recent changes to the floor before making a special trip.
Visiting
Clawz Entertainment sits at the Ankeny, IA address listed above and can be reached by phone at +1 515-436-5510 for current conditions before driving over. The weekly schedule runs 12 PM to 9 PM Monday through Thursday, extends to 10 PM on Friday, runs 11 AM to 10 PM on Saturday, and closes at 8 PM on Sunday. That pattern opens early enough on weekends for daytime visits and offers a longer Friday and Saturday night window for evening players.
Because the directory record does not include an age policy, food and drink details, or party booking information, those specifics should be confirmed directly with the venue before planning a group outing or a visit with younger players. For anyone looking to compare Des Moines arcade options side by side, the arcade finder directory, the interactive arcade map, and the other Des Moines venue pages linked above are the best starting points. Venue owners who manage this listing can submit updates through the claim your listing page to keep the hours, phone, and other details current.